The first time I met the Glynis Smy was through the Facebook Fellow Writers group. She had posted an invitation to have writers advertise their books on her New Book Blogger site. Out of the goodness of her heart, she wanted to help promote authors and their books. Hmm…I wondered, how kind of her, so I checked out her site to see her submission guidelines, read the following, and could hardly stop laughing:

Just sending the info without a friendly note will get you to the bottom of the pile. I like a hello first before you get down to business.

Her message was priceless, and I felt an immediate affinity with Glynis. She and I shared similar philosophies about helping people. We did it with no expectations, but it was always nicer to nurture a good relationship out of it if possible.

Glynis has personality to burn, and she’s not afraid to go after what she wants. You’ll find out what a gutsy lady she is after reading her bio and her interview.

Please help me welcome a woman who moves me with her humor, her wit, and her generous heart.

* * * *

Glynis Smy was born in the U.K. She grew up during the exciting era of flower power and Abba. Qualified as a nurse when Elvis died, she married her school sweetheart, and they had three children during the romance of the Ronald Reagan and Maggie Thatcher years. During that time, she also scribbled poetry and hid it away. The new millennium found her studying for many new projects, and her love of writing pushed its way to the forefront of her thoughts. Busy with two pharmacies, she and DH had little spare time. Then the day came, when at the age of 48, the U.K. tax man and government really annoyed Glynis, and she took stock of their lives. Fourteen hour nursing shifts and two businesses were wearing her down. Their three children had left home, gained careers and lives. She decided on an adventure in the middle of a life crisis.

In 2005, Glynis and DH sold everything they owned, jumped on a plane, and moved to a country they had never visited before in their lives—Cyprus. Their reason for Cyprus? Cars drive on the same side of the road as those in the U.K. Tax is 5%, and you are allowed to keep some of the money before paying any tax at all. Oh, and it is warm and sunny.

Glynis self published her poetry to mark her 50th birthday as a “coming out” gift to herself. Now, she enjoys the learning curve of writing novels. Six years down the line, and their lives are content. Glynis writes all day and DH cooks. What more could a woman want?

Inside Glynis Smy’s Mind

What is your idea of perfect happiness? When all those around me are happy. When my family has good health, and is free from the bad luck that appears to follow us on a regular basis. Oh, and a glass of wine on the back porch while looking at the stars. Oh, and comfortable feet.

What turns you on creatively? In writing it is when I get good feedback from my beta readers. When making cards, it is when the recipient really appreciates the effort I have put in. With regards to another being creative, I love to watch an artist bring a canvas alive. And the sexiness of a pair of professional Samba dancers will do it for me every time. Art on legs!

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Well, well now, well…do you know I am not really sure. Well really you would have thought I would have known that. Well blow me down. Honestly Eden? Well, I don’t know.

What quality do you most admire in a man? Respect for others. I cannot abide by the Neanderthal ignorance of some males I meet.

What quality do you most admire in a woman? The ability to cope with anything that comes her way, without crumbling into a girly mess.

What is your greatest regret? Not believing in myself earlier on in life.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My legs, I would grow some. Seriously, I would learn to say ‘no’ more often. It is not a word I find easy to say when asked to help out.

What is your greatest fear? Losing DH or one of my children.

Which living person do you most admire? To be honest there is no one person. Anyone who has done some good in the world has my admiration.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Keep-fit instructor. I have no will power when it comes to exercise. I watch instructors jump around in skimpy outfits and think ‘I wanna be one of them’. Or a writer.

If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be? A tall man. Or an orangutang. I am a primate fan. *Gosh I didn’t mean to include the tall man in that statement.*

What do you consider your greatest achievement? My three children. They are independent adults making their own mark on the world. I am very proud of their achievements.

What is the trait you most deplore in others? Insensitivity.

What is your greatest extravagance? I am not a spender. DH finds it hard to understand a woman who hates to shop. All my needs are quite basic. I would say books and card making items are my extravagance.

What is one thing you want to do before you die? Go to Vancouver. My son emigrated there just as the world finance crisis whipped our savings to shreds. So am saving the cents again to achieve my goal.

What is your present state of mind? I am grateful for the life I lead and my good health. It is a happy mind because I am going to be a grandmother for the first time.

What are some of your favorite curse words? Bloody hellfire! Crap.

What is your motto? Always turn a negative into a positive. I may be short, but at least I am taller than my dogs.

Glynis, I had no idea! And my dear, legs would be on my list as well… the curse of shortness… :) LOVED this interview, so lovely to get to know you better–and the giggles so early in the morning set a great tone for my day. Thank you! Great post, Eden!

Glynis, This may be your first interview, but it won’t be your last. You have led a very interesting life and you are a talented, sweet lady.
Thanks for the laughs this morning. I’m very glad I met you through your blog as well:)

What a wonderful interview! I’m really impressed that you worked 14 hour days in such a demanding job. But how adventurous that you & your hubby were so adventurous to move to another country! 5% tax sounds like a pretty good incentive + I’ve read it’s a little more tropical there than in the UK.

Ha! :D
What a great interview. I had a great chuckle at at some of your answers, Glynis.
I love the “I may be short, but at least I am taller than my dogs”. I laughed out loud at that one.
“…the Neanderthal ignorance of some males”. Good one! Sadly true in some cases.

I love you, Glynis! I’m so glad I found this interview today. I might have missed it with all the pies I’ve got fingers in right now. You’ve cheered me up; brightened my day. Rather, Eden Baylee brightened my day by interviewing you! Your answers are every bit you. They bounce off the computer page. I love every one of them.

I love your “I’m taller than my dogs.” If you’re as short as I am…I’m only 4-11 (take off 1/4 inch for shrinkage–it happens if you live long enough). I love your wit and enthusiasm for life. I hope you and DH can run the race together, as close to the end as possible together, and that you don’t “lose” your children. I feel the same way about mine.

I bought Chewy Chester months ago and loved it. I just need to write a review for you (and for many other bloggers too).

Ann, bless you. I love that you found me today. You are a special person in my blogging life. You have been through so much and can still take time out for others. Good luck with the launch of your memoir this week. I cannot wait to read it. You are an inspiration to me. X

Alex, you are too much of a gent to be Neanderthal! I talk more words than I write, believe me! LOL. I love that you visited Eden and found me today. x

Wow Glynis!
I’m a lot more popular since knowing you! To say your first interview is a success would be an understatement. You rocked it, lady!
I think you may have to do the circuit now — David Letterman? Maybe that English guy who replaced Larry King ? What’s his name….

Thx again to everyone for coming by – it’s so great to see Glynis get the attention she deserves.

Glynis,
Great interview. I have referred to my late start in writing as a midlife crisis of sorts more than once. But with age and experience comes greater clarity. I think my writing would be very different if I were still a twenty-something. Good luck in all you do.

Eden, lol! Piers Morgan is the guy, maybe I should drop him a line. Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog. And a huge thanks to those who left such wonderful words of support and encouragement.

Hi Eden and Glynis .. lovely questions and answers — glad I came over to visit .. I can appreciate you loads more Glynis!! learning the back story etc .. sure hope you can get to Vancouver sometime soon .. and becoming a granny shortly .. then your hubby cooks – too much!! and you’ve got Cyprus .. what a wonderful place .. I’m coming for a drink on the back porch one day! great bed time stories too with the poems .. hey ho .. great post Eden – thank you .. cheers Hilary